Santa Monica plans to allow open-container drinking on its promenade as part of a new entertainment zone, following the passage of California Senate Bill 969. The idea was initially proposed for a few events but the city council wants to make it more permanent, from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m., tied to business hours. People can buy alcohol in a special, non-refillable cup from venues and walk around with it. The council hopes this will attract more tourists and lead to new events like pickleball or line dancing. There are concerns about security and police presence, with the department wanting more officers than the council thinks is necessary. The policy could be in place by May or June, in time for Pride Month. It’s seen as an experiment that could be rolled back if it doesn’t work out.

Santa Monica will not host Olympic beach volleyball in 2028 despite initial plans. LA 28 approached Santa Monica due to its iconic beach and pier, and the city’s claim to inventing beach volleyball. The Olympic Committee covers costs directly tied to the games, but Santa Monica sought additional community benefits. A consultant’s report indicated the city would lose $1.5 million hosting the games, but could gain $5–7 million without hosting, through increased tourism. However, historical data from other Olympics shows non-Olympic tourism often drops significantly during the games. Santa Monica’s decision was criticized for lacking vision and outreach to cover the financial shortfall. Long Beach, which has been more welcoming to the Olympics, will now host the beach volleyball.

In this episode, Brian Peter Falk and editor Matt Hall discusses the confusing situation regarding Palisades fire debris on Santa Monica beaches. Multiple agencies provide conflicting guidance: Beaches and Harbors says the dark sediment isn't hazardous, while Public Health advises avoiding visible debris and staying out of ocean water. Different agencies monitor different areas - beach sand, water, and storm drains - creating a patchwork of advisories. The situation remains complicated by overlapping jurisdictions and limited cleanup resources. Meanwhile, Heal the Bay strongly opposes using Will Rogers State Beach and Topanga Creek for sorting hazardous waste, demanding better pollution mitigation measures if operations continue at these locations.

First, Editor-in-Chief Matt Hall discusses the EPA’s response to concerns about the transport and storage of toxic waste from the Palisades fire. The agency explains the logistical challenges, disposal process, and safety measures in place to prevent contamination. Residents remain skeptical, but officials emphasize their experience handling hazardous materials. Publisher Ross Furukawa highlights the long-awaited opening of Din Tai Fung at Santa Monica Place. The 10,000-square-foot restaurant will host a soft opening on February 20, donating proceeds to wildfire-affected businesses. The hosts discuss its potential to revitalize the struggling mall.

The January fire in Pacific Palisades is having a significant economic impact on Santa Monica businesses. On this episode, Daily Press publisher Ross Furukawa and host Brian Peter Falk discuss how the fire, road closures, and beach shutdowns have led to decreased foot traffic, with some businesses reporting a 60-80% drop in revenue. Jennifer Taylor from the City of Santa Monica shares efforts to support affected businesses, including fee waivers and partnerships with tourism agencies. Restaurateur Jenny Rush describes the struggle of local restaurants to stay afloat. The message is clear: now is the time to support local businesses.

**Podcast Summary:** On this episode of *Inside the Daily Press*, we bring you the latest updates on the Palisades fire recovery efforts, including the lifting of evacuation orders and the start of the cleanup phase. We discuss the reported missteps in fire preparedness and response, from regulatory delays to equipment shortages, and examine how these failures may have worsened the disaster. Then, in non-fire news, Editor-in-Chief Matt Hall joins us for a deep dive into Santa Monica’s biggest controversy—pickleball. A heated legal battle is unfolding over a planned pickleball facility on 4th Street, and we break down the drama. Stay tuned!

In this episode of Inside the Daily Press, hosts Brian Peter Falk and Ross Furukawa discuss three main topics related to the Palisades fire aftermath. First, they cover California AG Rob Bonta's crackdown on rental price gouging, with over 200 warning letters sent to suspected violators. Next, they debunk viral conspiracy theories, including false claims about Ukrainian generals' mansions burning and alleged child trafficking tunnels. The episode concludes with a weather update, warning of returning Santa Ana winds and new red flag warnings through Thursday evening, with a slight chance of rain on Friday.

Inside the Daily Press provides updates on the Palisades fire, which remains at 713 acres but is now 19% contained. CAL FIRE has released a damage assessment map for property owners. In Santa Monica, residents north of San Vicente receiving LADWP water must continue boiling it, while ocean activities are discouraged due to fire-related contamination. The main story focuses on widespread price gouging in the local rental market, with some properties seeing increases up to 275-1000%, particularly affecting fire evacuees. Insurance policies are complicating the situation, as some evacuees with coverage are offering above-market rates. The weather forecast predicts Santa Ana winds tapering off, with beneficial fog expected tomorrow.

Inside the Daily Press provides crucial updates on the Palisades Fire, which has burned 23,713 acres and is 14% contained. Hosts Brian Peter Falk and Matt Hall discuss the lifting of Santa Monica evacuation orders and address widespread looting concerns in evacuation zones. They highlight a community clothing drive at Santa Monica College and conclude with a forecast of incoming Santa Ana winds, though less severe than the previous week's 100 mph gusts.

Host Ross Furukawa and journalist Brian Peter Falk discussed the ongoing Palisades Fire on January 10th, 2025. Cal Fire reported the fire has burned 21,317 acres with 8% containment and threatens 11,171 structures, while warning about false social media posts claiming cleanup work opportunities. In Santa Monica, evacuation orders remain in effect north of San Vicente, while the area between Montana and San Vicente has been downgraded to an evacuation warning, and the area between Wilshire and Montana has had evacuations lifted. Looting has become a major concern, with the Santa Monica Police Department reporting 573 calls for service, 240 of which came from the evacuation zone (representing only 4% of the city). In response, the National Guard has been deployed to support law enforcement, though they are unarmed. Access to evacuated areas is strictly controlled, with residents only allowed back briefly for essential needs like medication, requiring police escort. The weather forecast indicates weak to moderate Santa Ana winds through the weekend, stronger winds expected Tuesday, and a 20% chance of rain the following Friday. www.smdp.com/fire-resources

Hear from Candidate John Putnam for his run for Santa Monica City Council.

Hear from Candidate Ericka Lesley for her run for Santa Monica City Council.

Hear from Ellis Raskin about his run for City Council.